Tonight was my mystery book group night but I didn’t finish the book (barely got past 40 pages) and I was kind of tired so I skipped out on the meeting. The group read Hollywood Crows by Joseph Wambaugh and although some of the reviews I’ve read about the book make it sound like it’s a great, fun read. I found it a bit tedious and not funny really. I’m hoping next month’s book, Little Tiny Teeth by Aaron Elkins will be more interesting.
However, I have read some very good mysteries so let me tell you about those. First, is Let It Bleed by Ian Rankin. Over the past couple of years I’ve been following the adventures of Inspector Rebus and I found this, the seventh in the series, to be another great entry.
The novel starts with a terrific fast-paced car chase scene which ends in a double suicide. As Inspector Rebus tries to find out about the young men who died, he realizes he’s up against a powerful business conglomerate and a lot of political mischief. That part sometimes made the reading drag a bit for me but what keeps me coming back to these is the inspector. He’s such a complex guy.
In this novel I also got the sense that Inspector Rebus may be headed for more trouble in the upcoming books. He’s drinking more and his relationships are a jumbled mess. I was a bit shocked at one thing Rebus does which has tragic consequences and he does offer apologies but I don’t think he realized just what a line he had crossed. I am sorry this is so vague but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Let it Bleed is also my first read in the What’s In A Name Challenge.
My other crime novel was Acqua Alta by Donna Leon, which is the fifth book in the Commissario Brunetti series.
As the flood waters rise in Venice, Commissario Brunetti is trying to find out who savagely beat his friend, Brett Lynch. The art historian, who first appeared in Death at la Fenice, has perhaps uncovered some art forgery that was taking place and so her beating was meant as a warning. The world of art is shown as one where money and power are more important than the art itself.
One thing I love about this series are the little scenes of domesticity between Brunetti, his wife and children. There can be corruption, death and assorted ugly things yet his family and his surroundings provide a calming grace and charm, and not just for Brunetti but for the reader as well.
I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
You know what else I’ve been reading? The latest edition of Mystery Scene. I’ll tell you about the books I’ve added to my list soon.
I love crime and mystery series, and there seems to be an unlimited number of them out there for us. In fact, I’ve not heard of these two. What planet am I on? My only frustration is that good or bad, once I’m locked into a series, I’m in forever. These sound like they have the right ingredients!
I haven’t read any crime fiction in a long time, I used to read nothing else! Then again I went a whole year reading only one book…don’t worry I’m back on form…I’m on my 3rd in the last few weeks so things are improving! I might have to see what I can pick up!
Rankin really gets around the dark side of Edinburgh, doesn’t he? I’ve read one of Donna Leon’s Brunetti series, but it has been a long time. This one sounds good.
Sandy – Oh see, if the series is going downhill for me I don’t continue. I do get a bit curious about what happened to the characters but not enough to follow. That happened to me with the Stephanie Plum series. I gave up on that one.
Claire – Yay for being back on form. Sometimes life just happens right? So what are you reading?
jenclair – Most definitely! This book just seemed so grim, more so than some of the others, what with the bleak, cold weather, the drinking, the poverty. Hope you’ll check out more in the Brunetti series. The Commissario is a great character.
I have yet to read any Ian Rankin, but I did pick up one of his books at a library sale. I’m not sure I’ll start with the beginning of the series–I’m just going to jump in and see how it goes. I might later go back and start at the beginning, but I get the idea there are lots of titles I would have to catch up on. I’ve not read any Donna Leon for ages, but over the weekend I finally dug out her books to figure out what I owned and had read. I hope to read the next in the series, soon. I think the last one I read was also Acqua Alta. And I love the family scenes as well–isn’t his wife a Henry James scholar?
Danielle – Ian Rankin gives the reader quite a gritty look at modern day Scotland. And, although I can see some changes in Rebus (the drinking thing for one) I don’t think this is one of those series that really must be read in order. I’ve started it in order so I’ll continue that way. I am anxious to see what’s ahead. I met Ian Rankin at a book signing a couple of years ago and when I told him I was up to book 4 he said, oh you haven’t gotten to the really good ones yet 🙂 And, yes, Brunetti’s wife is a scholar. She’s so great isn’t she? They are both neat characters.
I think Donna Leon has a new book coming out. BTW…I enjoy your blog a lot!
Diane – Oh she does? I better read faster 🙂 I like to read the series in order so I guess it may take me a while… haha.. Thank you for visiting and I just linked your blog 🙂
I really need to get back to Ian Rankin. I’ve only read the first two, but do want to continue on in the series. Sigh. So many books! 😛